Humanism and it’s Possibilities in Africa

by Genesis Eririoma

My encounter with Dr. Leo Igwe, when I interviewed him on my YouTube channel Africa Enlightenment Centre, remains one of the most thought-provoking moments of my journey as a freethinker. During the conversation, I was struck by his calm conviction and deep sense of purpose in promoting reason and human dignity in a continent still held by superstition and religious fear. His insights confirmed what I had already sensed, that Africa needs a new generation of thinkers who will place human welfare and rational understanding above inherited beliefs.

After reading this his profound essay “Humanism and its Possibilities in Africa,” which further deepened my respect for his work. Three major points in the article stood out to me. First, Dr. Igwe explains that humanism is a worldview that empowers people to live ethical and meaningful lives without dependence on gods or dogma. Second, he shows that humanist ideas can help dismantle harmful traditions such as the Osu caste system, witchcraft accusations, and ritual killings that continue to destroy innocent lives. Third, he reminds us that promoting humanism in Africa is both dangerous and necessary, yet essential for our collective progress and liberation.

I strongly agree with his message. His courage and dedication inspired me to begin the Critical Thinking for Secondary Schools project, which I wrote and dedicated to him. The book was born out of the same vision, to build a generation of young Africans who can question, reason, and think independently. From this, I developed the Thinkers Club initiative, which aims to establish clubs across Nigerian secondary schools to nurture critical thought. Our pilot scheme is currently active at Government Secondary School, Barkin-Ado, Karu in Nasarawa State, where we are setting up a Thinkers Library and Enlightenment Centre to encourage open learning and rational discourse.

Dr. Leo Igwe’s work has shown me that humanism is not merely an idea but a moral duty, to think clearly, act justly, and defend human dignity. His life continues to remind me that the true liberation of Africa will come not through miracles or myths, but through education, critical inquiry, and compassion grounded in reason.